The APO version of this lens runs rings around its less expensive brother. It is better between 200mm and 300mm than the ballyhooed Nikon 70-300VR, and much better than the older Nikon equivalent and the Tamron equivalent. It also has a usuable but distant Macro that is quite sharp although not very contrasty, and only this sharp at f/13. But there are times when it comes in handy. I've used this lense with a 1.4x Kenko extender at f/8.00 for some truely extraordinary sports shots while using it on a second backup camera body. Doen't sell this one short...but stay away from the non-APO version. Not very good.